Having spent almost 30 years in Otley, I mistakingly thought I knew most of the local routes. Lockdown has allowed me to explore the local area in so much more detail and led to me to discover some great new routes right on my doorstep. Taking in part of the the Six Dales Trail this walk around Hall Moor and along the Washburn river path provides some great views across to the Fewston Reservoir and beyond.
THE WALK
The walk starts at the Fewston Reservoir Car Park. Personally I've never had any issues parking here but I know parking can get busy at weekends and holidays. From the carpark, cross (with care) the busy A59 to join Hall Lane. Follow the lane up a gentle ascent past Bubberhouses Hall until the road takes a sharp right - leave the road here and follow the path straight ahead towards the disused quarries of Hall Moor on a wide dirt track. Take an opportunity to take in the view behind you at this point. I've always been a fan of checking behind you, often you can be so focused on the road ahead you can miss some stunning scenery in the opposite direction.
Continue on the dirt track until it gives way to tarmac - as you join the new road follow it to the right. You are now at the abandoned Blubberhouses Quarry, first worked in 1987 it was finally mothballed in 1991 and the plant works demolished in 2007. There is now a number of quarry pools at the site. If you climb the bank to your left you will get a great view down the Washburn Valley and also see more of the quarry pools.
Follow the road (gently descending) until you pick up a footpath sign on your right leading you through to some farm fields. It is from this path that you get some views of Bandrith Crags to your right. The path is relatively straight but after crossing five fields the path diverts to the right via a new gate and on toward Redshaw Hall. This path will eventually reunite you with Hall Lane.
At Hall Lane, turn left and then immediately right down a steep bank to join the Six Dales Trail. When joining the Trail you will see the impressive Thrusscross Reservoir Dam to your left. Follow the path right (away from the reservoir). You are now on the home stretch, staying on the Six Dales Trail back to the start point.
A thoroughly enjoyable walk suitable for all ages and abilities (please take care crossing the A59 and the steep descent to the six dales trail). Along the way there is plenty of opportunities for photography and I look forward to returning to this walk in the Autumn or Winter.
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| View across Hal Lane, St Andrews Church and Fewston Reservoir. |
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| Sheltering Lambs |
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| Further along the dirt track looking back to Hall Lane and beyond. |
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| Bandrith Crags |
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